Even when the original arrangements for child support, custody, and parenting time were easy to work out with your former spouse, later changes of circumstances or breakdowns in the relationship following a divorce can lead to problems. If you have questions about your ability to enforce your rights or to modify the terms of the divorce decree, contact the Law Offices of Tony Zirkle in Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, or Crown Point.
Many reasons can support the modification of a child support or spousal maintenance order, a child custody decree, or visitation rights under a parenting plan --change in either parent's income, health, or medical needs. New needs of the child, such as the diagnosis of a learning disability or outstanding talent, are also factors that can be considered. Where a motion for modification is based on financial considerations, the parent should be prepared to show that the new circumstances requiring the modification amount to a 20 percent change in the parent's need for support or ability to pay.
Whether you are seeking or resisting the modification of an alimony, child support, or visitation order that is now in place, Indianapolis family law attorney Tony Zirkle can advise you and find the legal strategy that will best protect your interests.
When a former spouse or noncustodial parent has defaulted on a judge's decree by missing payments or failing to comply with a parenting time order, Indiana family court lawyer Tony Zirkle can represent you on either side of the case. His experience with the enforcement of support obligations can help you whether you are seeking to hold the other party to his or her responsibilities, or if you need to account for a failure to make timely payments or satisfy the terms of a parenting time arrangement.
In some enforcement cases, attorney's fees might be awarded by the family court judge if a party takes an unreasonable position or cannot excuse a lack of compliance. Some violations of child support or parenting time orders are also criminal offenses that can be punished by jail time or fines.
For additional information about your legal alternatives in a situation requiring either modification or enforcement of any family law decree, contact the Law Offices of Tony Zirkle at any of our four locations.
